Pest insects

Pest insects can have adverse and damaging impacts on agricultural production and market access, the natural environment, and our lifestyle. Pest insects may cause problems by damaging crops and food production, parasitising livestock, or being a nuisance and health hazard to humans.

Western Australia is free from some of the world's major pest insects. Biosecurity measures on your property are vital in preventing the spread of insects.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development provides:

  • biosecurity/quarantine measures at the WA border to prevent the entry of pest insects
  • where relevant post border biosecurity measures
  • advice on widespread pest insects present in the state.

For advice on pest insects search our website, the Western Australian Organism List or contact our Pest and Disease Information Service (PaDIS).

For diagnostic services, please contact our Diagnostic Laboratory Services.

Articles

  • Citrophilus mealybug (Pseudococcus calceolariae) is a serious pest of many horticultural industries that can downgrade fruit quality and affect fruit production.

  • The European wasp is considered one of the worst wasps in the world - harmful to people, our outdoor lifestyle and to our horticultural and agricultural industries.

  • European house borer (EHB) Hylotrupes bajulus is a destructive pest of seasoned coniferous timber including pine, fir and spruce.

  • Citrus gall wasp (Bruchophagus fellis) is a pest of citrus trees. Discovered in the suburb of Eden Hill in 2013 it is now an established pest in Perth.

  • In Western Australia's Mediterranean-type climate, the survival of pests and diseases over summer is often critical in determining pest outbreaks and disease epidemics in broadacre crops.

  • This page summarises the main factors to consider when planning or managing a canola crop.

  • Queensland fruit fly (Qfly, Bactrocera tryoni) is considered to be one of the most serious pests of fruit and vegetables in Australia.

  • Argentine ants, Linepithema humile, are a major cosmopolitan pest ant species, primarily of the suburbs, which often enter houses in search of food and moisture.

  • Portuguese millipedes (Ommatoiulus moreleti) belong to a group of animals called Myriapoda (meaning many-legged), which also includes several native Australian millipedes and centipedes.

  • Keeping olive trees well-fed and adequately watered is the best initial defence against pests and diseases, since vigorous trees are better able to withstand attack and less likely to suffer long-t

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